Thursday, February 23, 2017

For an individual
who was just elected to his 19th term as a member of the House of
Representatives, Christopher H. Smith seems awfully timid about facing his
constituents.

Wednesday night (Feb 22) a non-partisan coalition of groups sought to hear
directly from Smith, mostly about his position on the ACA but other matters as
well. You would think that Mr. Smith would be savvy enough and comfortable
enough to face residents of his district and answer tough questions. He refused
and his office has suggested that this isn’t a real town hall since the
congressman didn’t convene it.

"Social media has perpetuated this deceit -- a tactic designed to incite
disappointment towards the congressman -- but which in reality exploits the
concerns of well-meaning and unsuspecting citizens, Jeff Sagnip, Smith's aide,
said in a statement to the Asbury Park Press.

Sorry, Mr. Sagnip. The disappointment comes from the fact
that the Congressman stopped holding town hall meetings two decades ago. How
can Smith say he truly represents the people of his district if he can't meet
with them face to face and hear their feelings?

His refusal to meet is as rude and inexcusable as those who may
have engaged in "bad behavior" at past town halls. He sought the
position as the people's representative; he should have the fortitude to come
before his constituents.

Congressman Smith obviously suffers from the inertia of
incumbency and is more interested in preserving his position than representing
the 4th District .